Friday, September 9, 2016

Film on Friday # 49 - A Sunday Horse - Mongrel Media

Summary: "After a near-fatal accident, on a horse the experts thought was nothing special, a determined rider from the wrong side of the tracks defies all the odds to pursue her dreams of winning a national jumping championship."

A Sunday Horse is the true story of Debi Walden Connor, played by Nicki Reed. The supporting cast includes veteran actors William Shatner, Ving Rhames and Linda Hamilton amongst others.

I have a bit of a quibble with ' the wrong side of tracks' description. I think limited financial resources would have better described Debi and her family. The tracks description seems over sensationalized.

Reed was at her best playing Debi after the accident. I think her acting was somewhat overplayed in the 'before' scenes - notably when she is playing the 'bad girl' with a temper, smoking pot and a few others. I thought her interactions with the horses were very believable. (The horse scenes were very well done and fun to watch) I really enjoyed Hamilton's performance as the long suffering Mrs Walden, whose quiet demeanor hides depths of strength and faith.

A Sunday Horse could absolutely be watched as a family film. There are many topics for discussion throughout the movie - financial and class snobbery, (there is no mistaking the rich folks in this movie) drug use (however I did find this scene somewhat unbelievable - smoking in a barn does not seem like something horse lover Debi would do - and she's in dire financial straits), racism,  family dynamics and of course faith. Faith in yourself, your family and of course, in God.

I love movies based on real life. The old adage truth is stranger than fiction is often true. Coming back from such a horrific injury, persevering and triumphing seems near impossible. But Debi had faith and determination. And you know - God does work in mysterious ways. Who's to say her story isn't one of them?

A Sunday Horse will leave you feeling hopeful and uplifted. And perhaps you will find inspiration in Debi's faith and determination to discover your own strength and faith.


"Movie has been provided courtesy of Mongrel Canada and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

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